A Kentwood woman running for Louisiana House District 72 has been arrested in Tangipahoa Parish.
Independent candidate, 26-year-old Marylee Bellau, is facing drug-related and child endangerment counts.
Hammond Daily Star Reporter Jesse Brooks says Bellau was a surprise, last-minute entrant into the race, with an unconventional background for an aspiring politician.
“She had a criminal record, and she had worked as an exotic dancer in Pine Grove,” said Brooks.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office says Bellau, and her boyfriend, 49-year-old Joseph Hammons, were part of an ongoing narcotics investigation and were arrested with a young child in the back seat. Sheriff's deputies searched their vehicle and found illegal narcotics.
Bellau’s entrance into the race raised some red flags, and Clerk of Court workers recounted a disassociated Bellau entering the office to sign up at the last minute.
“She seemed not knowledgeable on general political subjects that are happening in the state,” said Brooks. “Just someone who didn’t really seem to have much interest in running a race at all.”
Brooks says further investigation revealed her candidate contact number was out of state, and when called, whoever responded said Bellau “wasn’t in the office today.”
Unless convicted, Bellau can keep her name on the ballot.
District 72 covers parts of East Feliciana, St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes, including the Hammond area.
Incumbent representative Robby Carter said he believes Bellau was put in the race “to create chaos for what would otherwise be an unopposed ticket.”
